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Can’t Follow Hashtags on Instagram? Decoding the Mystery

Yes, you absolutely can follow hashtags on Instagram! However, if you’re experiencing difficulty, there are several reasons why. It’s rarely a permanent “can’t” situation, but rather a troubleshooting puzzle that needs solving. This article will delve into the common culprits behind this Instagram hiccup and provide you with the solutions to get back to following your favorite topics. Let’s dive in and diagnose what’s causing your hashtag-following frustrations.

Understanding Instagram’s Hashtag Functionality

Instagram’s hashtag feature is a powerful tool for discovering content, connecting with communities, and staying informed about topics you care about. By following a hashtag, relevant posts appear directly in your feed, integrated seamlessly with content from the accounts you follow. This allows for a curated, interest-based browsing experience. But what happens when this seemingly simple feature malfunctions?

Common Reasons Why You Can’t Follow Hashtags

Several factors can prevent you from successfully following hashtags on Instagram. Identifying the root cause is the first step towards resolution. Let’s explore the most frequent offenders:

1. Account Issues

Shadowban: A shadowban occurs when Instagram limits the reach of your content without explicitly notifying you. This can be triggered by violating community guidelines, using banned hashtags, or engaging in spam-like activity (e.g., excessive commenting or liking). While controversial, it can affect your ability to follow hashtags, as Instagram might restrict your account’s overall engagement capabilities.
Account Suspension or Restriction: A more severe outcome of violating Instagram’s policies is account suspension or restriction. This will completely prevent you from performing most actions, including following hashtags. You’ll typically receive a notification if your account is suspended.
New Account Limitations: Newer accounts sometimes face limitations on their actions to prevent bot activity. If your account is relatively new, it might take some time to unlock full functionality, including following a large number of hashtags.

2. Technical Glitches

App Issues: Bugs in the Instagram app itself can interfere with its functionality. Outdated app versions, corrupted data, or temporary server issues are all potential culprits.
Device Issues: Your device’s operating system or specific settings could be causing conflicts with the Instagram app.
Internet Connectivity: A stable internet connection is crucial for any online activity. Intermittent or weak connections can disrupt Instagram’s ability to process your requests to follow hashtags.

3. Hashtag Related Issues

Banned Hashtags: Instagram bans certain hashtags that violate its community guidelines or are associated with inappropriate content. Attempting to follow a banned hashtag will likely fail.
Hashtag Volume and Recent Updates: In rare cases, hashtags experiencing unusually high traffic or recent updates can sometimes experience temporary glitches.

4. Action Blocks

Exceeding Daily Limits: Instagram imposes limits on the number of actions you can perform within a given timeframe (following, liking, commenting, etc.) to combat spam and bot activity. Exceeding these limits can result in temporary “action blocks,” preventing you from following hashtags.

Troubleshooting Steps to Resolve the Issue

Now that we’ve identified the potential causes, let’s explore practical solutions to get you back to following your favorite hashtags:

Check Your Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable and strong internet connection. Try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if the problem persists.
Update the Instagram App: Make sure you’re running the latest version of the Instagram app. Updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements. Check the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) for available updates.
Clear Instagram App Cache and Data: Clearing the app’s cache and data can resolve issues caused by corrupted files. This process varies slightly depending on your device:
- Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear Cache and Clear Data.
- iOS: Since iOS doesn’t offer a direct way to clear app cache, you’ll need to uninstall and reinstall the Instagram app.
Restart Your Device: A simple restart can often resolve temporary software glitches.
Check for Account Issues: Review Instagram’s Community Guidelines to ensure you haven’t violated any rules. If you suspect you’ve been shadowbanned, reduce your activity and avoid using potentially banned hashtags.
Wait It Out (Action Block): If you suspect you’ve received an action block, the best course of action is to wait it out. The duration of the block varies depending on the severity of the violation, but it typically lasts from a few hours to a few days.
Report the Problem to Instagram: If you’ve tried all the above steps and are still unable to follow hashtags, you can report the problem directly to Instagram through the app’s help center.
Log Out and Log Back In: Sometimes, simply logging out of your Instagram account and then logging back in can resolve temporary glitches.
Check for Third-Party App Interference: If you are using any third-party apps to manage your Instagram account, these apps may be interfering with your ability to follow hashtags. Try disabling these apps to see if that resolves the issue.

Preventing Future Issues

Follow Instagram’s Community Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with and adhere to Instagram’s Community Guidelines to avoid any actions that could lead to account restrictions.
Avoid Spam-like Activity: Refrain from excessive liking, commenting, or following/unfollowing accounts in rapid succession.
Use Relevant Hashtags: Use hashtags that are relevant to your content and avoid using overly generic or banned hashtags.
Keep Your App Updated: Regularly update your Instagram app to benefit from the latest bug fixes and security updates.

Conclusion

While encountering difficulty following hashtags on Instagram can be frustrating, it’s usually a solvable problem. By understanding the potential causes and following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can regain your hashtag-following privileges and continue to enjoy the benefits of this powerful feature. Remember to always prioritize ethical engagement and adhere to Instagram’s guidelines to maintain a healthy and active account.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a shadowban on Instagram, and how does it affect my ability to follow hashtags?

A shadowban is a reduction in your content’s visibility on Instagram without official notification. While not explicitly preventing you from following hashtags, it limits your account’s overall engagement and interaction capabilities, thus making it seem like the “follow” action isn’t working.

2. How can I tell if I’ve been shadowbanned?

Determining a true shadowban is tricky. Look for these signs: a significant drop in engagement (likes, comments, follows) on your posts, even from your existing followers; your posts not appearing in hashtag searches even when using relevant hashtags; and limited reach on your stories.

3. How long does an action block typically last on Instagram?

The duration varies based on the severity of the violation. Shorter blocks can last a few hours, while more serious violations can result in blocks lasting a few days or even longer.

4. Can I appeal an action block on Instagram?

Yes, you can attempt to appeal an action block by contacting Instagram’s support team through the app’s help center. However, there’s no guarantee that your appeal will be successful.

5. What are some examples of banned hashtags on Instagram?

Banned hashtags often relate to sexually suggestive content, hate speech, illegal activities, or self-harm. The list constantly evolves, but some commonly banned hashtags include variations of #sexting, #selfharm, and hashtags promoting violence.

6. How many hashtags can I follow on Instagram? Is there a limit?

While Instagram hasn’t explicitly stated a hard limit, following an excessive number of hashtags in a short period could trigger an action block. It’s advisable to follow a reasonable number of hashtags relevant to your interests.

7. Does the number of accounts I follow affect my ability to follow hashtags?

While there isn’t a direct correlation, following an excessively high number of accounts and hashtags in a short timeframe could raise red flags for Instagram’s spam detection algorithms.

8. I’ve tried everything, and I still can’t follow hashtags. What should I do?

If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps, contact Instagram’s support team through the app’s help center and provide them with detailed information about the issue you’re experiencing.

9. Can third-party apps affect my ability to follow hashtags on Instagram?

Yes, some third-party apps, particularly those automating actions like following/unfollowing or liking posts, can violate Instagram’s terms of service and lead to action blocks or account restrictions, impacting your ability to follow hashtags.

10. Is it possible that the hashtag itself is the problem?

Yes, if the hashtag is banned or experiencing a technical glitch due to extremely high traffic, you might not be able to follow it temporarily. Try following other hashtags to see if the issue is specific to that particular hashtag.

11. How often should I update my Instagram app?

It’s recommended to update your Instagram app whenever a new version is available. Updates often include bug fixes, performance improvements, and security enhancements.

12. Will deleting and reinstalling Instagram delete my photos?

No, deleting and reinstalling the Instagram app will not delete your photos or profile information. This information is stored on Instagram’s servers and is associated with your account. However, any unsaved drafts within the app will be lost.